Group offers cash reward for reports of animal abuse

A Winnipeg nonprofit organization is working with local authorities to get more people to pay for their crimes against animals.

PAW Tipsters is offering a cash reward to anyone who calls in a report of abuse that leads to an arrest.

“Animals can’t speak for themselves, and I think it’s important that people just kind of put aside any kind of fears, you know, that someone might find out who it is and just phone it in,” said Yvonne Russell of PAW Tipsters.

The organization has teamed up with the Winnipeg Police Service and Crime Stoppers so that callers can remain anonymous if they wish.

“There's a variety of reasons why people can't always go to police directly,” said Det. Sgt. Tom Mackay of Crime Stoppers. “And we're that outlet, that receptacle for that information when people need to do it anonymously.”

Recent cases of animal abuse include a three-month old kitten that had to be euthanized this week after being hit with a baseball bat. Jennifer Clarke, 23, is now facing charges in that attack.

In another case, a 10-pound Pomeranian is paralyzed and will likely be euthanized after it was beaten with a hockey stick.

“He was on the verge of dying when he was found, actually,” Russell said.

Christopher Lyons, 39, has been charged in that case.

The Winnipeg Humane Society said that, unfortunately, these are not isolated cases.

“Every summer we usually are participating in at least two seizures, and it's either a hoarding situation or a puppy mill situation,” Bill McDonald of the Winnipeg Humane Society told CTV News.

Last year, Russell found a black lab wandering the streets of Winnipeg, malnourished and alone.

She's had him ever since and hopes the tipline will lead to more happy endings.

“Hopefully we can save some animals,” she said.

With a report from CTV News Winnipeg’s Caroline Barghout

Photos

This 10-pound Pomeranian was paralyzed after being beaten with a hockey stick.